A new research report suggests that young Canadians may be showing greater openness to religion, even as overall religious affiliation in the country remains low.
The report, published March 5 by the Ontario-based Christian think tank Cardus in partnership with the Canadian Bible Society, examines emerging trends in how Canadians aged 18 to 34 relate to faith. Titled Faith Restored? The Evolving Relationship Between Religion and Young Canadians, the study explores whether Canada could be experiencing early signs of a shift similar to what some researchers have described as a “quiet revival” in the United Kingdom and renewed interest in Christianity in the United States.
Researchers expressed interest in whether younger generations in Canada might reflect trends seen elsewhere, where reports suggest a renewed curiosity about faith among younger adults.
“Religion has not gone away, and within some age groups and areas of the world it is growing,” the report concluded.
“There is anecdotal evidence — and in some cases, actual data — to show that people aged 18–34 are open to Christianity and other faith traditions, and that they are actively exploring these through activities such as reading Scripture and attending church.”
The notion of a “quiet revival,” referring to reports that members of Generation Z in the United Kingdom are attending church in growing numbers, has been questioned by some commentators, the report noted.
“Regardless of that debate and its outcome, there is a new level of public conversation taking place about perceptions of Christianity’s relevance for youth today,” the report said. “The conversation appears to be global.”
Findings cited from the Patmos World Bible Attitudes Survey suggest that the church remains strong and is growing in several parts of the world.
“Even in Cluster 5, which is the most secular group of countries and includes Canada, 18–34-year-olds make up 48 percent of the people who say they are interested in learning more about the Bible and are frequently using the Bible and regularly attending church,” the report said.
The report also cited data from the Angus Reid Institute, conducted in collaboration with Cardus, indicating that younger Canadians share many faith beliefs with older generations. When asked about belief in God, 59 percent of Canadians aged 18 to 34 affirmed belief, compared with 63 percent across all age groups.
“At the same time, surveys reveal some evidence of increasing openness to religion among young people,” the report said.
“Data emerging from other studies in the UK and the US, while disputed, seem to show increasing interest in religion, including Christianity.”
Cardus also referenced a study suggesting that people aged 18 to 24 in the United Kingdom are currently the most likely age group to say they definitely believe in God and to report praying regularly.
In the United States, meanwhile, declines in religious practice appear to have leveled off, according to the report, with some surveys suggesting increased church attendance among men alongside women.
In Canada, young adults remain largely uncommitted to regular religious practice. However, the report noted that they still represent nearly half of those interested in learning more about the Bible and those who report frequently using Scripture and regularly attending church.
“Although survey evidence has so far failed to support anecdotal reports that Canadian young adults are increasingly demonstrating commitment to Christianity or other faiths, there are indications that declines in religious practice have slowed or halted in Canada, the UK and the US, and that there is continuing or even increasing openness to faith within the younger generation,” the report said.
“These findings and trends suggest that Canadian churches would do well to consider how to respond to this openness and prepare to welcome young people who may be seeking answers to questions concerning the challenges of life or the reality of the transcendent.”
